Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino has called on supporters to "trust the process" as he and his coaching staff bid to transform Chelsea into Premier League title challengers.
In his first season in charge, Pochettino has guided Chelsea to the EFL Cup final and FA Cup semi-finals, losing 1-0 to Liverpool and Manchester City on those occasions.
The West Londoners have also spent much of the campaign outside of the top seven in the league table, only to have recently put together their best run of form of the season.
Victories over Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, Nottingham Forest and Brighton & Hove Albion have left Chelsea requiring one point to guarantee sixth place.
There is also a scenario where Chelsea could finish in fifth, although they would need to defeat Bournemouth and Sheffield United overcome Tottenham Hotspur.
© Reuters
Pochettino hoping for backing from club's fans
At times during 2023-24, Pochettino has not had the overwhelming support from the club's fanbase, something that has since improved over time.
Chelsea return to Stamford Bridge after two wins on their travels, and a positive mood is expected ahead of what could prove to be a pivotal meeting with the Cherries.
Speaking to reporters, Pochettino said: "After the game it's natural, things happen, will come, if not its not a problem. I'm going to show my respect to the fans. We always try to be very respectful.
"We understand very well in this business that the fans are the best things at a football club and they are entitled to give their opinions in different ways. You need to respect. We are here because of them.
"They [the fans] need to trust in us. The only way that they can trust in us is the results because the process and work we are doing inside is difficult for them to analyse because they don't know what we are doing every single day."
He added: "Trust in the process, it is to trust in the team. I think we feel a responsibility to deliver our job. We are 200 percent committed to deliver the best job for the club."
© Reuters
Pochettino pleased with extra backing from owners
Speaking in the Middle East this week, co-owner Todd Boehly admitted that Chelsea could benefit from showing patience as they continue to build their project in comments that appeared to add extra weight to Pochettino remaining at the helm.
In response, Pochettino said: "It's important to have the backing of the owners, they are the bosses.
"It is the best for the club, the players and for the fans. We know very well that coaches are always judged about the result in a very short period."
Pochettino said earlier this month that he expects to learn his fate in the immediate aftermath of the end of the season, with the 52-year-old still having one year remaining on his contract.
Darren Plant
